Staff at Highfield Garden World in Whitminster are getting ready for the busiest tree buying weekend of the year.  

The garden centre sells more than 1000 fresh Christmas trees every year, ranging in size

from one foot to eight feet.

Planteria Manager Jon Mason explained: “The second weekend in December is traditionally when the bulk of people want to come and choose their tree. 

“But with Christmas seeming to start earlier every year, we’re seeing trees sales climbing right from the beginning of December, with a few festive locals coming in for their trees before the end of November!  

“We increase our staff on December weekends to make sure we have the time to ensure customers go away with the best tree for them – chosen in the dry then all neatly netted before being lifted into their car boot or delivered to their door.”

Jon also explained that tree tastes are beginning to change here in Gloucestershire. 

He said;  “Whilst having one tree in the living room or hall is still the most popular choice, more and more people want an extra tree for another room in the house or even the front garden. 

“Something else that’s changing is that customers often look for slimmer silhouettes – narrower trees which take up less room space in smaller homes. 

“Fraser firs work well for that scenario, or we just clip and shape other types of tree

to suit.”